The hockey world mourns the sudden loss of Chris Simon, a notable NHL “enforcer,” who passed away unexpectedly.
Born on January 30, 1972, in Wawa, Ontario, Simon’s professional hockey career was a showcase of his tenacity, skill, and the various adversities he faced.
The family of the 52-year-old confirmed that Simon took his own life on March 18, 2024. They attribute his struggles to brain trauma and suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that can presently only be diagnosed after death, although strides are being made towards in-life diagnosis.
Simon, during his 15-year NHL stint from 1992 to 2008, participated in 101 fights and racked up 1,824 penalty minutes across 782 games. He also tasted Stanley Cup glory with the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
His career was also marked by disciplinary actions, resulting in two of the most severe suspensions in NHL history. He was first suspended for 25 games for hitting Rangers player Ryan Hollweg with his stick in March 2007 during his time with the Islanders. The second suspension of 30 games was due to stepping on Jarkko Ruutu’s leg during a game against the Penguins in December 2007.
Simon scored 144 goals and made 161 assists while playing for multiple teams, including the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild, Rangers, and Islanders. His NHL career ended with Minnesota in a playoff series against Colorado in April 2008. He then played in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Europe and Asia’s top hockey league, appearing in All-Star Games in 2010 and 2011, before retiring after the 2012-13 season.
Despite earning an estimated $15 million during his NHL career, Simon faced financial hardships in his post-career life, as reported by the Ottawa Citizen in 2017. He filed for bankruptcy and depended on social assistance and disability checks.
Simon’s life after hockey was also marred by health issues, including symptoms of CTE, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and arthritis, which affected his ability to work.
In a public statement, Simon’s family affirmed their belief that CTE significantly impacted his life, leading to his early death. “Our family has experienced firsthand Chris’s significant struggles with CTE, which, regrettably, brought about his passing,” the family stated.
The family’s statement further expressed their grief and the shared sorrow with their community. “As we mourn the loss of a son, brother, father, partner, teammate, and friend, the entire community of Wawa joins us in our sorrow. We request privacy during this immensely challenging period and are grateful for the condolences shared by many, acknowledging our profound loss,” they added.
Simon’s death has been mourned by his former teammates and the wider NHL community. Social media was filled with heartfelt tributes, emphasizing his formidable presence on the ice and his compassionate nature. Mike Commodore, a former teammate from their time in Calgary, described Simon as an intimidating figure on the ice but an outstanding individual and team member. Commodore shared memories from their time together during the Flames’ 2004 campaign, noting Simon’s kindness, especially when they lived together. The message, “RIP Chris. You will be missed,” encapsulates the bond they shared.
Simon is survived by four children from his second marriage to Valerie, from whom he divorced in 2017.